We recently connected with Deandria Thomas and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Deandria with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My strong work ethic came from watching the best to ever do it, my mother! Growing up in a single parent home I watched my mother work so hard to accomplish her goals and provide for us. For as long as I can remember my mother, Lisa, always worked two jobs and went to school to further her education. She always expressed to us how she wished she could have spent more time with us, but she had no help. Being a teenage mother and coming from a family that is all about proving points she had no help, so it was either spend time with us or be a provider. I didn’t understand then but as I grew into an adult, I understood her sacrifices and appreciated her for those same sacrifices because she put our well-being and needs before her own.
Even though much time wasn’t spent Lisa, my mother, was still able to provide us a supportive, loving home. What I learned from my mother’s hard work was determination, problem solving, and attentiveness. As a child I always want to attend after-school or participate in activities after-school but without that extra help my mother just couldn’t do it all. So, in honor of those pieces that were missing from childhood. In 2019, Little Hands Big Hearts was birthed. Little Hands Big Hearts is my brand, my baby.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am from Walterboro, SC a small town 45 minutes outside of Charleston, SC. As small as our town is you would think we would hold our neighbors accountable. But that saying it takes a village has dwindled away. Little Hands Big Hearts works hard to build a community of trust, love, and support where the parents and children can have someone to lean on.
AT LHBH We create memorable moments for the children of the community. We have hosted summer camps for 3 years, and an after-school program for 2 years. In addition, we have hosted feed 100 kids for a day event during those COVID months the kids were out of school. As we progressed and found our way we did away with both on those programs and focused more on events. In 2020 Little Hands Big Hearts hosted there first Fashion Show, Fashion against Bullying. Our fashion show is a platform where we educate children about bullying, what to do when those circumstances arise, and how to avoid such situations. We teach self-worth, self-confidence, and how to build high self-esteem through visitors at practice, reading books, and having those mini conversations. This year we just hosted our 4th annual Kids Fashion Show, and 6th annual kids’ Trunk or Treat. We are pleased to announce there will be a 7th Trunk or Treat and a BIG 5th annual Kids Fashion Show. You are welcome to come see us in action. In addition, we are working hard to present our nonprofit SOAR (Sisters of Action and
Responsibility) to the community.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
During my journey I always believed in carrying myself professionally. What I mean by carrying myself professionally is that I carry myself in a way that makes a positive impression on others, and shows my work ethic.
The qualities or skills that allow me to be professional at all times are strong communication skills, interpersonal skills, and problem solving skills.
What I would advise to someone early in their career is always to remain true to who you are. Like I tell the babies I work with, “stand for something or fall for anything”. People tend to push their insecurities off on others so remaining true to yourself is you standing firm on what you believe in. Last, when you feel discouraged, or defeated always hold your head high and remember your WHY. Your why will get you through the impossible. Remain resilient always!
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Taking care of myself is my number 1 priority. Mental health is very important. Sometimes I get overwhelmed when juggling more than one project. The signs of me knowing I am overwhelmed is having racing thoughts, pessimistic thinking, difficulty sleeping, and constant worrying. Lina Begdache from Binghamton University states, It is important for young adults to recognize that one behavior may lead to a domino effect, eventually increasing mental distress with a potential long-lasting effects.” Strategies I use when feeling overwhelmed are breathing exercises, stepping away from my projects for a day or two, asking for help, resetting by listening to soothing music, and celebrate small wins. Remember you are only one person and being overwhelm is ok, but what are you going to do about it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/lhbh4u?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: Littlehands Bighearts
- Other: email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Image Credits
Maurice Ferguson of All Out Designs
